The skin can look tired, aged, and become acne-prone for various reasons, such as air pollutants and seasonal changes. But there may also be times when you experience breakouts out of the blue and for no mistake of your own. However, certain habits you can control might be influencing your skin more than you realize. These can worsen the skin’s overall health and also lead to conditions like eczema if you aren’t careful. 6 habits to avoid for better skin health Going out in the sun without SPF One of the golden rules of having healthy skin is to use sun protection. This includes sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses. Being disciplined about using sun protection ensures that your skin remains free of sun damage and does not show early signs of aging. It is also an effective way of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Using an unclean brush Regularly and repeatedly using unclean makeup brushes can be a definitive way of damaging your skin. You might not be aware of it, but your makeup tools can be a trove of bacterial growth that can harm your skin. For example, they could cause rashes, acne, and infections and might, in rare cases, lead to skin pigmentation. Having excess sugar Acne is a condition leading to pimples, blackheads, and bumps on the skin. If you’ve been dealing with sudden acne outbreaks, it may be because of the rapid rise and fall in your blood sugar levels. Consistently including sugary beverages, bakery products, and desserts on the menu can cause an increase in insulin levels, which has been directly linked with heightened acne issues in people. Eating lots of fried foods Regularly eating deep-fried foods is a recipe for disastrous skin. It can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. The high amount of hydrogenated fats in these foods can cause the skin to appear aged and dull.

More than half of the human body is made up of water. This fluid is indispensable in helping different organs carry out their functions correctly. Drinking less water can cause dehydration and contribute to several health conditions. To avoid complications, smartwatches and mobile apps have been developed to remind people to drink water regularly and stay hydrated. The following are a few common repercussions one may face due to less water intake. Constipation Water helps food move through the gastrointestinal tract. When the body does not have sufficient water, it cannot perform this function effectively. As a result, individuals may experience hard stools or constipation. Bad breath Water helps produce saliva and destroy the bacteria inside the mouth, resulting in optimal oral hygiene. Dehydration hampers this process, leading to bad breath. The foul smell may not recede despite brushing regularly and practicing other oral care activities. Skin problems Although moisturizing and cleansing are essential skincare practices, they are typically ineffective if one does not drink enough water. Dry skin is among the most common symptoms of dehydration. The skin may appear sunken and dull, with dark circles underneath the eyes and chapped lips. Dark-yellow urine When a person is dehydrated, the kidneys try to conserve water in the body, which causes the urine to become darker in color. Thus, dark-yellow urine is a sign of less water intake. Craving for high-sugar and high-carb foods A sudden craving for foods high in sugar and carbs is another symptom of dehydration. When dehydrated, the body cannot utilize glucose to produce energy. Consequently, individuals may experience sudden cravings or hunger even after heavy meals. Frequent headaches Many individuals who are dehydrated experience severe and frequent headaches. Such headaches are often accompanied by other dehydration symptoms like dry mouth and fatigue. Fatigue Low water intake can cause extreme tiredness and fatigue.

The kidneys help filter and remove waste and additional water to make urine. The organ is susceptible to complications that may stem from a range of underlying factors, including excessive sugar intake. However, an obstacle individuals face in this regard is identifying whether a particular symptom results from eating too many sugar-rich foods or another underlying health complication. Therefore, here are five signs of poor kidney health due to excess sugar intake. Sudden loss of pounds There are many reasons one may lose a couple of pounds, including regular exercise, ongoing treatments, and a change in eating habits. However, a sudden reduction might indicate the onset of type 3 diabetes. This may occur due to excess glucose circulating in their body, which is transferred to urine. One may not put on additional pounds even if they eat more to satisfy their hunger. Frequent infections It is normal to contract an infection at some point in life. However, people who ingest too much sugar may suffer from such complications regularly. The inability of the kidneys to filter out excess sugar from the blood could cause the property to mix with urine. And this may lead to frequent urinary tract or yeast infections. Polyuria Polyuria (frequent urination) is one of the first signs of excessive sugar intake. It results in the build-up of sugar in the bloodstream. While the kidneys are responsible for filtering out unwanted glucose, they may not keep up with the excess amount and cause it to leave the body through urine. Therefore, if one eats excess sugar-rich foods, they may experience symptoms like polyuria. Fatigue One of the functions of the body is to break down food into simple sugars (glucose). The cells use insulin generated by the pancreas to absorb the broken-down ingredient and use it to generate energy.

Bone cancer occurs due to abnormal cell growth in a bone, usually the arm, leg, or pelvic bones, but sometimes the skull, hips, and ribs. In its advanced stages, bone cancer may spread to other body parts, including the surrounding tissues, bones, and organs. On the bright side, patients with bone cancer can recover completely if the condition is diagnosed and treated early. Understanding some of its early signs can help with timely diagnosis and intervention. Swelling Most individuals with bone cancer experience inflammation and swelling over the affected area, leading to restricted mobility, mainly if the cancer occurs in a bone close to a joint. Fever In some cases, bone cancer may escalate to fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Although the underlying cause of such fever is unclear, some studies suggest that it may be due to certain toxins produced in the bodies of patients with bone cancer. Bone Lump Bone cancer sometimes leads to the development of a lump on the affected bone. This lump may grow with the progression of cancer and may sometimes cause pain. Anemia and fatigue The bones in one’s body govern the production of red blood cells (RBC), which supply oxygen throughout the body. Bone cancer prevents RBC production, causing a lack of oxygen supply and fatigue. Moreover, lack of RBC can also cause the onset of anemia, which may worsen in some cases following cancer treatment. Night sweats Patients with bone cancer may experience night sweats, indicating that the body is attempting to fight against cancer cells. Hormone-level fluctuations due to bone cancer may also cause night sweats. Loss of appetite Fatigue due to bone cancer may trigger loss of appetite, a common symptom among patients with this condition. Limping Patients with cancer developing on their leg bones may experience difficulty walking, causing them to limp.

Heartburn is a common health condition that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). This condition causes a burning sensation in the chest. Besides this burning sensation, several early warning signs can signal its impending arrival. Recognizing these signs can help one take measures to prevent heartburn from worsening. Here are ten early warning signs of heartburn that one should be aware of. Pain in the chest- Heartburn is often characterized by a burning feeling in the chest, often felt behind the breastbone. This pain can vary in severity and may be mistaken for a heart attack, so it’s crucial to pay attention to its frequency and triggers. Acidic taste in the mouth- If one frequently experiences a sour or acidic taste in their mouth, it could be a sign of stomach acid backing up into their esophagus. This taste can be unpleasant and may accompany other heartburn symptoms. Regurgitation- Feeling as if food or liquid is coming back into the mouth or throat can be a warning sign of heartburn. A bitter taste and a burning sensation can accompany this. Difficulty swallowing- Heartburn can lead to esophageal irritation, making it painful or challenging to swallow. If an individual has trouble with solid or liquid food intake, it’s time for them to consider the possibility of heartburn. Chronic cough- A constant, dry cough can be an early indicator of heartburn. Stomach acid irritating the esophagus can trigger coughing, often worse at night or after meals. Sore throat- The irritation caused by stomach acid can extend to the throat and vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness or a persistent sore throat. If these symptoms persist, it’s time to take action. Wheezing- Some people with heartburn experience wheezing and asthma-like symptoms.

Today, achieving truly restful sleep can call for making considerable changes to the fast-paced, task-heavy daily routine to help one relax at bedtime. A healthy sleep cycle can offer a host of health benefits, helping the body recover and regain lost energy. So, following a strict schedule and focusing on improving the quality of sleep is important here. To help one get started, here are a few practical tips to consider: Follow a consistent sleep schedule One of the cornerstone habits for a healthy sleep cycle is maintaining a regular schedule. This involves going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Consistency reinforces the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Here, it is also important to be realistic, so one should choose a bedtime that allows for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Create a tranquil sleep environment The ambiance of the bedroom plays a significant role in promoting healthy sleep. So, one should ensure the room is cool, quiet, and dark to facilitate relaxation. Investing in comfortable bedding and a supportive mattress can also make a difference. Additionally, one should consider minimizing sources of disturbance, such as electronic devices and excessive light, to be able to relax. Establish a calming pre-sleep routine A series of calming activities before bed signal to the body that it is time to wind down. This routine can include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or gentle stretching exercises. Here, one should experiment with different activities to discover what makes them relax. Check food and drink intake A light, balanced dinner a few hours before sleeping is preferable to heavy meals. Sleep-promoting foods, like warm milk or herbal teas, can encourage a more restful transition into sleep.

Many women experience period pain (dysmenorrhea), which develops because of contractions in the uterine muscles during menstruation. The discomfort can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, bloating, and headaches. While there are a few ways to manage and reduce the pain, some mistakes can worsen the discomfort and make menstruation more painful. So, when experiencing excessive period cramps, one should avoid making the following errors: 1. Not getting enough sleep Sleep is crucial, especially while menstruating. Ample rest can help the body deal with cramps and also reduce mood swings, discomfort, and tiredness. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can worsen cramping. 2. Skipping meals It may seem difficult to eat well during periods, but it is incredibly important. Skipping meals could lead to a drop in energy and blood sugar levels, increasing the intensity of cramps and causing fatigue. One should try to eat balanced meals with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, leafy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts. 3. Ignoring symptoms Unfortunately, many people end up ignoring or underplaying their period pain. Because of this, they do not seek professional help, which reduces the chance of a formal diagnosis if dealing with a related problem. Women experiencing severe, disruptive, or debilitating pain for extended periods must consult their doctor and find appropriate management options. 4. Forgetting to drink water Dehydration during periods can worsen cramps and even cause dehydration headaches. It can also increase the risk of water retention and bloating, which adds to the discomfort. One can avoid this by drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated throughout the day. 5. Excessive salt intake Eating excessively salty foods increases the risk of water retention, which can worsen bloating and discomfort during periods. So, it is best to avoid adding too much salt to food if one is experiencing heavy period cramping.

Premature aging is a condition when the natural effects of growing old start early. The condition makes a person’s skin appear older than its actual age. The most visible signs of aging are age spots, dryness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more. The aging process could also accelerate due to multiple skincare and lifestyle missteps. Here are some commonly made mistakes that one must avoid to maintain skin healthiness and counteract the signs of aging. Avoiding sunscreen Premature aging happens when you ignore sunscreen as part of your skincare routine. Sunscreen aids in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays from the sun, thus, preventing skin damage. When sunscreen is not applied to areas of the body exposed to sunlight, it can result in problems such as dark spots, damage to collagen, dilated vessels, and wrinkles. It is important to wear proper sun gear to save the body from UV rays. It is also significant to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is sweat and water-resistant. If you want extra protection, you can also choose to wear clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) tags. Extreme exfoliation People use scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells and gain soft, smooth skin. However, this can often cause bruising of the facial skin and inflammation. Furthermore, using scrubs can cause the pores to open, making the skin dry. It can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Constant rubbing and tugging while scrubbing the skin can cause damage and compromise the protective layering of the skin. Therefore, it is essential to undertake exfoliation gently through the fingertips or a silicone scrubbing pad. Going to bed with makeup A daily skincare routine should involve properly cleansing the skin and removing all makeup before sleeping. It is crucial because the skin gets exposed to various kinds of dirt, bacteria, and pollutants in the environment.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, small enterprises must streamline their operations to stay competitive. Investing in a good point of sale (POS) system is one way to do that. These systems help enhance sales and inventory management and provide data-driven insights, contributing to overall business success. Here, we will list the benefits of POS systems for small businesses and a few best options. But first, let’s understand what exactly a POS system is. What’s a POS system? A POS system is a crucial tool for optimizing operations and managing different aspects of a business. It includes hardware devices like barcode scanners, card readers, cash registers, and receipt printers. It also includes software solutions for price calculation, payment processing, inventory tracking, and other functionalities. Benefits of POS systems for small businesses Here are some significant benefits of POS systems: Quick and accurate transaction processing Reduction in the time spent on manual tasks like updating prices Automated inventory tracking, which avoids over- or understocking Improved customer experience with a smooth checkout process, acceptance of various payment methods, and generation of quick digital receipts Enhanced security due to built-in encryptions, data protection, and user access controls Best POS systems for small businesses Small enterprises looking for a POS system can consider these options: Square Point of Sale Square is popular due to its user-friendly interface and affordability. It offers a range of features, including inventory management, sales analytics, and customizable receipts. It also has additional tools like the fully-integrated Square Register for larger retail establishments and Square for Restaurants tailored to the food service industry. Shopify POS Shopify is well-known for its e-commerce platform, but it also offers a robust POS system for a flat rate. Ideal for retail businesses, Shopify POS seamlessly integrates online and offline sales channels. It provides inventory management and multichannel selling and supports various payment methods.

The need for sustainability and building sustainable habits keeps growing. As consumers, it is their responsibility to make environmentally conscious purchase decisions, such as buying products that have a low impact on the environment. Many eco-friendly alternatives are available for products that are used at home. Studies also suggest that consumers are willing to spend more on eco-friendly products if it means safety for those living at home and the environment. Here are a few eco-friendly products that one can use at home: 1. Refillable bottles Refillable bottles can store drinking water and cleaning solutions, like homemade detergents and shampoos. Refillable spray bottles are also quite popular. This is mostly because many people want to make their own cleaning solutions, as they are affordable, sustainable, and not filled with chemicals that can harm one’s health when used in excess. Refillable bottles ensure that one does not have to run to the grocery store every two weeks to buy a product packaged in a flimsy, disposable plastic bottle. Plastic bottles are disposed of after a single use and find themselves in landfills. 2. Reusable silicone bags Many people use plastic bags to store their produce in the fridge. Sometimes, they also wrap the leftover food or fresh meat to be stored away in the freezer. One can instead opt for reusable silicone bags. They are sturdy, do the job well, and are good for the environment. These bags can be stored in the freezer, microwaved to reheat food, or cleaned in a dishwasher. Furthermore, they can withstand harsh temperatures and do not lose their integrity when put in boiling water. So, they are a versatile product that can be part of your kitchen essentials. 3. Swedish dishcloth Swedish dishcloths can be used as sponges and cleaning cloths for kitchen counters. They are reusable, so one can easily wash them.

The excitement for shopping seasons tends to build for weeks in anticipation of the sales, and Black Friday 2023 is no different. Aside from getting lucrative deals on items like iPads and television sets, one can also get incredible discounts on home appliances. Things like ovens, blenders, juicers, and microwaves have made lives easier and more efficient, and it is worthwhile to keep an eye out for discounts on them this Black Friday. Coffee makers Keurig Keurig coffee makers are available in several sizes with easy-to-use controls. Last Black Friday, several Keurig products were available at significant discounts. For example, the compact Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker was available at $30 off its original price, while the Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker stole the show at a whopping 50% discount. Ninja Ninja’s coffee makers contain a paper filter kit, a K-cup pod adapter, a Ninja smart scoop, etc. Based on last year’s deals, one can expect discounts on popular Ninja coffee maker models, including the Ninja DualBrew Cofee Maker and the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewing System this Black Friday. Nespresso Nespresso coffee machines leverage centrifusion technology, which helps closely monitor extraction levels. Last Black Friday, shoppers bagged Nespresso’s premium coffee makers at lucrative discounts. For example, the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine was available at 26-30% off at Target. Microwaves Whirlpool Whirlpool’s microwaves contain presets to reheat different types of foods within no time. They also have dishwasher-safe turntable plates for hassle-free washing up. Whirlpool’s stainless steel over-the-range microwave was available at up to $219 off on the original price at Lowe’s and up to $296 off on the original price at Walmart during Black Friday 2022. Toshiba Toshiba offers a wide range of countertop multi-function and stainless-steel microwaves with digital displays. Toshiba’s microwaves were offered at considerable discounts during Black Friday last year.

Mouth and teeth problems are common occurrences in individuals. One should not wait for the symptoms to worsen before visiting a doctor. It is always advisable to pay a visit twice every year, even if you don’t have any problems, so that any impending dangers can be dealt with promptly. Here are some of the common symptoms, causes, and risks associated with most mouth and teeth problems. Several symptoms might indicate that you have a critical oral problem. Some of these are also accompanied with neck swelling or even high fever. The key symptoms include: Suffering from bad breath for a long period despite adhering to good eating habits and trying to maintain the necessary oral hygiene Developing sores, ulcers, and tender areas in mouth frequently, which don’t heal even after two weeks Swelling in the cheek or face for no apparent reason Frequent loosening of teeth or pain especially when trying to bite or chew food items Sudden sensitivity to cold and hot beverages or temperatures Causes The causes of mouth and teeth diseases include: Excessive consumption of food items containing starch and sugar can lead to plaque formation, which can further result in tooth decay and several gum issues. Also, if your water intake is less, you might not be able to get sufficient fluoride, which can again be a root cause of plaque creation in the mouth. A deep cavity or cracked tooth can let bacteria enter the tooth pulp, which can further lead to infection inside the tooth. The situation can worsen when the infected tooth can further cause a lethal abscess. Cracked, broken, and injured teeth are one of the main causes of oral diseases. There is a reason why we are asked not to chew on hard items such as pens, popcorn kernels, or other objects.